Parasailing off Catalina Island
some the city’s best lobster rolls. Alternatively, dine among the skyscrapers at Lumi (366 Fifth Ave., lumirooftop.com), chef Akira Back’s new rooftop Peruvian-Japanese eatery. INSIDER
ISLAND
Just an hour ferry ride from Long Beach, Catalina feels of a different era. You’ll rarely encounter a car, but you will see foxes, quails, bald eagles—and the island’s most illustrious residents: bison.
STAY The irresistibly quaint Snug Harbor Inn (108 Sumner Ave., Avalon, snugharbor-inn. com, from $288) is a nineteenth-century throwback consisting of just six rooms overlooking Avalon Bay. The stylish suites come furnished with New England charm—along with plush bedding and deep-soak jet tubs. Reopened in late 2019 after an extensive renovation, the Zane Grey Pueblo (199 Chimes Tower Rd., Avalon, zanegreyhotel.com, from $399) is named after the twentieth-century author who called this hilltop adobe home until his death in 1939. It features 16 deluxe rooms surrounding a pool, including eight suites with terraces cantilevered high above the town. DO Hit the links at Catalina Island Golf Course (1 Country Club Dr., $40, call 310-5100530 for tee times), the nation’s oldest course west of the Mississippi. It’s also one of the most unique nine-holes you’ll ever play, carved into a corrugated landscape that looks like a set piece from Jurassic Park. Journey into the island’s interior on a Bison Expedition (Island Tour Plaza, Avalon; catalinatours.com, from $85) or soar 800 feet high with Parasail Catalina (105 Pebbly Beach Rd., Avalon, californiaparasail.com, $75). A 10-minute thrill ride affords you a bird’s-eye view of the island’s rugged terrain. EAT At Bluewater Grill (306 Crescent Ave, Avalon., bluewatergrill.com), you’re not just 9 0 L A M AG . C O M
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CATALINA
SIDE NOTE
Looking for an island vacation further afield? Hawaii is now open to visitors. Travelers can opt for a COVID-19 test prior to travel to bypass the 14-day quarantine requirement. For more information, go to hawaiicovid 19.com/travel.
eating fresh sea fare, you’re also seated right above it. The waterfront patio has great views, an awesome happy hour, and is petfriendly. Trade the surf for turf at Buffalo Nickel (57 Pebbly Beach Rd., Avalon), a local favorite serving tacos and barbecue.
FAMILY The island’s long-running Glass Bottom Voyage (Green Pleasure Pier, Avalon, catalinatours.com, from $21) is a mellow, affordable attraction that gives a unique view of the marine preserve. The tour is just 45 minutes, ideal for travelers of all ages with short attention spans. —BRAD JAPHE
PA R ASA I L I N G : CO U RT E SY O F LOV E C ATA L I N A I S L A N D ; C ATA L I N A I S L A N D OV E R H E A D : CO U RT E SY O F C ATA L I N A I S L A N D G O L F CO U R S E ; H AWA I I : G E T T Y I M AG E S
TIP
FAMILY Check out the The ferry to the island can book U.S.S. Midway (910 N. up quickly, so while reservations Harbor Dr., midway.org, tickaren't required, they're strongly ets from $10-$26), a decomadvised. (Go to catalinaexpress missioned aircraft carrier .com.) Plus, there's no charge to cancel up to 24 with a flight simulator. And, of hours ahead. course, the San Diego Zoo (2920 Zoo Dr., zoo.sandiegozoo. org, $50-$60) houses an unparalleled panoply of over 3,500 animals representing nearly 700 species. —ERIC ROSEN